Maiden King

Although I don’t wager on many non-maiden races, I do bet the big ones like the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont and the Breeders’ Cup.

A 13-horse field for the Santa Anita Handicap was too hard to resist, however my pick#5 Colonel John came down with a fever and was scratched. Therefore, I had no play.

Einstein tracked pace setter Matto Mondo to the stretch, wrestled the lead from him then held off #13 Champs Elysees to win by a length.

In the previous race, the Kilroe Mile, I was planning to bet #1 Ventura if she went off at her 2-to-1 morning line or better.

Ha!

The whole world loved this horse and she was pounded to 4-to-5. Ventura looked like the winner with 50 yards to go but #11 Gio Ponti got up in the last jump.